Amazon has announced that older Kindle models from 2012 and earlier will no longer be supported, meaning users cannot purchase, borrow, or download new books after May 20. While existing books remain accessible, those seeking new reads must upgrade. Our team of avid readers has tested the best alternatives, from Kobo devices to the latest Kindle models.
Kobo Clara Colour: A Top Kindle Alternative
The Kobo Clara Colour is a standout choice, especially for library lovers. It supports Libby and Overdrive, allowing users to borrow ebooks from local libraries for free. One team member has read 50 books using Libby, highlighting its cost-effectiveness. The colour screen offers four highlighter colours and full-colour covers, though less bright than a tablet. It is waterproof and has a paperlike 6-inch screen. Battery life is shorter than a Kindle but still lasts days. However, existing Kindle libraries cannot be transferred due to Amazon's restrictions. Kobo offers frequent 99p deals and price matches Amazon. Priced at £149.99, it is available at Argos, Amazon, and Curry's.
Kindle Paperwhite: The Reliable Upgrade
The Kindle Paperwhite remains a popular choice with a 7-inch screen, adjustable warmth, and waterproof design. It is lightweight and portable, fitting into most bags. Battery life is excellent, lasting through several books. Existing Kindle libraries can be downloaded directly, making it a seamless upgrade. At £159.99, it is pricier, but there is a risk of future support discontinuation.
Basic Kindle: Budget-Friendly Option
The entry-level Kindle costs £94.99 and comes in matcha green or black. It has a 6-inch screen with 300ppi but lacks waterproofing and adjustable warmth. Despite these drawbacks, team member Phoebe Barton praises its portability and battery life, calling it a game-changer for relaxed reading.
Kobo Libra Colour: A Transformative Device
Narin Flanders switched from Kindle to the Kobo Libra Colour after disappointment with the Kindle Scribe. It combines a colour screen and note-taking capabilities with a stylus, priced at £209.99. The colour display enhances reading of graphic novels, while note-taking on PDFs is easy via Google Drive. The screen is less bright but easier on the eyes at night. Transitioning from Kindle was smooth using the Kindle app on other devices. It is waterproof for up to an hour.
Kindle Scribe: For Note-Takers
The Kindle Scribe is the largest model at 10.2 inches, with anti-glare screen and pen support for notes and notebooks. It costs £379.99 and allows importing Word docs and PDFs via the 'Send to Kindle' feature. Harriet Morphy-Morris praises its size and functionality. The newer Scribe Coloursoft adds colour notes, enhancing the lineup.
